Riding on an expected bumper crop,the wheat procurement in Punjab has gained momentum with government and private agencies already procuring more than 3.65 lakh tonnes during the ongoing Rabi marketing season.

Ahead of the state assembly elections,the Punjab government,aided by favourable weather,has managed to avoid discontent among farmers in the crucial poll months by its timely procurement and lifting of grain from mandis across the state.

Paddy arrivals and procurement in the grain markets of both Punjab and Haryana are turning out to be lower than last years record highs. Even the daily arrivals at the markets have decreased drastically.